The legacy of six individuals who changed the lives of women in the twentieth century and helped to change society overall were honoured by Royal Mail on the Women of Distinction issue in 2008.

The stamps commemorated the work of women who defied discrimination to achieve a lasting influence in what were traditionally male areas of politics, medicine and social reform. The impact of their work is still felt today.

The women honoured were: Millicent Garrett Fawcett, leading suffragist and campaigner for women’s rights and her sister, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, a pioneer in the field of medicine. Marie Stopes who pioneered family planning and Eleanor Rathbone who honed her political skills by campaigning for social services for the women and children of Liverpool. Claudia Jones, the prominent Civil Rights activist, and Labour MP Barbara Castle, who was first elected to Parliament in 1945.